Chapter 148: A Few Matters
Chapter 148: A Few Matters
As the students trickled out of the classroom in small groups, they were still enthusiastically discussing their new and exciting experience.
For example, a pair of Ravenclaw girls—
"To be honest, I really wanted to leave at first; it was so creepy. But now, I kind of miss it."
"Me too, that skeletal imp was so cute!"
"… When is our next runes class?"
"Let me check, it's on Friday."
"Really? That's so long from now!"
"I think we're pretty lucky, you know, only sixth-year students get practical classes…"
"Ha ha, we have all the time and knowledge in the world. I have to tell the students from other years!"
Their voices gradually faded away.
Percy and Penelope avoided the crowd, their faces a mix of joy and worry. Their previously hidden relationship had been exposed. Percy, in particular, was frowning.
"So what if they found out? It's not a big deal", Penelope said, looking at him.
"Penelope, if you have three younger brothers and a sister, any gossip will reach your parents' ears", Percy said. "Especially Fred and George Weasley, they'd be more than happy to spread the news."
Percy looked extremely troubled. Although he often wrote to complain, he always thought he had valid reasons, like the recent incident: "Mom, Fred and George Weasley used fans to make the ghosts parade around the school, losing fifty points and getting three weeks of detention…"
He could already imagine how his twin brothers would grin at him—
"Oh, Percy~ Our model student has finally seen the light~"
"We have to tell Mom the good news!"
"And Bill and Charlie, you've surpassed them."
"Can't forget Ron and Ginny, either."
Penelope's face turned pale, and she stammered, "Your parents will know?"
"Don't worry", Percy muttered, "they'll probably just send you a gift during the holidays and invite you over for a visit…"
Penelope's eyes widened in shock.
During lunch in the Great Hall, Felix chatted with the big-mouthed Professor Kettleburn and "Nearly Headless" Nick. Essentially, he and the two ghosts were friends, and he helped clear up some misunderstandings, effectively putting a final stamp on the "Ghost Redemption Incident."
It wouldn't be long before these words spread throughout Hogwarts, and the excitement would gradually fade, like the ebb of a tide. The truth would be lost in time, occasionally surfacing like a fleeting flower.
The days passed quickly, with Hogwarts operating like a well-oiled machine, pushing everyone forward. Professors and students alike were cogs in this vast machine, moving inexorably without any unexpected disruptions.
Up until the Easter break, only a few events left a lasting impression on Felix—
He hinted to Dumbledore about Dobby's awkward situation. The old man understood his subtle message and didn't rush to clear Hagrid's name. The diary, still radiating strong dark energy, was locked away in the Headmaster's Office.
"Felix, you're doing the right thing", the old man said—though he had no idea that Felix planned to use the Confundus Charm on Lucius.
His assistant completed the first runic circuit but was still struggling with the repairs on the beaded purse.
The basilisk skin was continuously treated with magic, a process that was extremely slow. Felix refused to compromise and intended to use the basilisk skin and fire dragon skin to create a magic cloak and an inner armor.
Peeves finally returned to normal, or so Felix was told, as he hadn't encountered Peeves for a while recently.
Aside from that, Belby mentioned during a casual conversation that he and Professor Snape had completed the first round of improvements on the Wolfsbane Potion, reducing its cost to one-third of the original. However, the taste had worsened by more than three times.
"Sounds good. Maybe you'll both share an Order of Merlin for your efforts."
"I doubt it. Have you been reading the newspapers lately? It's all about 'blessings for werewolves' and 'revisions to the werewolf registration act.' Only registered and monitored werewolves have the right to purchase the Wolfsbane Potion. The Ministry of Magic is using my potion to bring rogue werewolves under control."
"That's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as their list is... accurate."
"Hah! There have been leaks more than once. Many werewolves prefer to remain anonymous rather than use the potion, especially since they can't afford it."
Belby was clearly dissatisfied with the Ministry of Magic's approach.
...
In the latest Duelling Class, the young wizards learned a new spell—the Petrifying Spell. The spell's effect is to make the opponent's arms and legs clamp tightly together, leaving them stiff and rigid, like a plank of wood lying on the ground.
Felix explained, "The Full Body Bind Curse is documented in the book Curses and Counter-Curses, where Vindictus Viridian provides a vivid description."
"This spell is quite simple, even younger students can learn it..."
At this point, Harry and Ron glanced at Hermione, who had used this spell to petrify Neville in her first year.
"Of course, personally, I find it less effective than the Stunning Spell. It's not as powerful. For example, if you aim your wand at me and cast this spell, I might just stiffen slightly. However, it's more than enough to handle trouble in school."
Felix and Snape conjured hundreds of cushions in the Great Hall for the students to practice on, to prevent any injuries.
"Ron! You should have landed on the cushions!" Hermione scolded Ron, who had landed stiffly on the floor.
After the spell's effect wore off, Ron winced and replied, "Easy for you to say. Can you adjust your landing point when you're hit?"
Hermione quickly changed the subject.
Felix and Snape watched the young wizards practice, engaging in a conversation.
"Tsk tsk, even with such a simple spell, half the class still hasn't got it right", Snape said, his aura heavy with disapproval.
"But they're improving quickly, aren't they? Seeing clumsy students become proficient under your guidance, Severus, doesn't that give you a sense of accomplishment?"
Snape glared at him fiercely.
Felix counted on his fingers, "Disarming Charm, Shield Charm, Tongue-Tying Curse, Full Body Bind Curse. Belby has also taught the Enhanced Perception Spell and the Banishing Charm in Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Add to that the pranking spells they already know, and the number is quite substantial."
Snape's eyes met his, "Your point being—"
"Increase the emphasis on other aspects, like footwork and situational awareness, especially practical combat."
"I have no objections, Felix", Snape said softly, his gaze distant.
(End of Chapter)
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